This case is to acknowledge the intent to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for The Waterfront in January 2026. CDBG funds are allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CDBG program public facility and neighborhood infrastructure funds are made available for physical improvements in Anoka County—and the county distributes funds annually to local communities and non-profits through a competitive application process. The attached 2026 Program Year Application Guide provides 13 pages of additional detail that is not repeated within this case text.

One of the stipulations in applying for the competitive CDBG program is a Resolution from the local unit of government assuring that the application for the project is approved by City Council, (and if awarded, would meet the terms of the Federal funding)—thus the purpose of this case.

The proposed project for the CDBG funding would be for a floating wooden 'T'-dock at The Waterfront with an ADA-compliant path down the bank to the dock, together with two paddle boats, at an estimated value of $117k for the floating dock and trail, and another $15k for the boats. The match for the grant may be approximately $5k for two kayaks, life vests, paddles, basic fishing equipment, and lockers for the equipment.  These items may be funded by the Park Trust Fund.

This project's parameters are under development and therefore the referenced costs are estimates at this time.  Approximately $1.8M is anticipated to be available county-wide for 'Public Facility & Neighborhood Infrastructure' and the application to Anoka County is due January 26, 2026.

This case acknowledges the intent to apply for +/- $132k in CDBG funding, which would include an identified match of in-kind dollars, and another approximately 5–10% of the project's hard-costs from the Park Trust Fund. 

Staff recommends supporting the CDBG application for funding by the adoption of Resolution #26-017.

Motion to Adopt Resolution #26-017 Authorizing the Application for Community Development Block Grant Funding for The Waterfront